BETHLEHEM, Pa., July 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $397,543 in support of regional economic development. BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, Ben Franklin staff concentrate their efforts on three key areas:

developing and growing early-stage technology-oriented companies,

helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and business practices to achieve industry leadership, and

promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to create 17,415 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and to retain 27,384 existing jobs, to start 492 new companies, and to develop 1,591 new products and processes. Since 2007, BFTP/NEP clients have generated $1.4623 billion in follow-on funding. The Pennsylvania Ben Franklin Technology Partners network has returned $3.60 to the state treasury for every $1.00 invested in the program. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

Ben Franklin announces the following early-stage company investments that are provided in the form of loans with warrants.

Dellicker Strategies, LLC, www.dellicker.com, GermansvilleBen Franklin Investment: $100,000Provide support for sales and marketing efforts, and ongoing software enhancements at this producer of a software platform that facilitates personalized learning strategies for K-12 classrooms. The technology, DSdirect, helps educators deliver student-centric instruction through effective professional development and integrated program management, thereby improving learning in K-12 schools while saving costs.

OrthoForge, www.orthoforge.com, Ben Franklin TechVentures, BethlehemBen Franklin Investment: $100,000Finalize engineering to lead to the initial unit build of a medical device that provides clinicians real-time data regarding fracture healing as well as stimulating bone growth at the targeted area. This allows orthopedists to streamline their fracture healing treatment algorithm in a more cost-effective manner and potentially improve outcomes.

Sustainable Energy Management Systems, www.sustainableenergymgmt.com, ScrantonBen Franklin Investment: $16,000Complete a new strategic plan to expand market focus for this manufacturer of a proprietary solar tracking device. Its patented Reflective Solar Tracker enhances the performance of solar panels by tracking the sun’s position and utilizing reflectors to capture more sunlight, increasing solar energy production by 40-50%.

Zukay Live Foods, LLC, www.jacobsraw.com, Hereford TownshipBen Franklin Investment: $100,000Provide marketing and distribution support for a new product line and support sales expansion for the Jacob's Raw product line into additional retailers at this manufacturer of raw, probiotic, and vegan condiments and beverages. Natural and raw, fermented foods are increasingly becoming mainstream in conventional shopping channels.

Ben Franklin announces the following established manufacturer company investments. Ben Franklin provides 1:1 matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based manufacturing innovation in established manufacturers.

CornellCookson, www.cornellcookson.com, Mountain TopUniversity Partner: Wilkes University Ben Franklin Investment: $24,943Develop a new overhead door device that will be utilized primarily in high-traffic areas such as parking garages and high-capacity warehouses. The overhead door will incorporate a novel design that will reduce hazards and common failure points in competing products while adding functionality around electronics, high performance, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.

Improve factory flow and efficiencies at a new building purchased by Prizer-Painter Stove Works to accommodate rapid increases in demand. Prizer-Painter Stove Works manufactures high-end cooking and ventilation equipment under brands like BlueStar, Prizer Hoods, and Big Chill as well as a new premium refrigeration line.